What an HVAC System Check Should Include

June 03, 2014
By
Roth Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

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It’s likely that your heating and cooling system is one of the most
expensive and vital parts of your home. An HVAC system check will keep
it running as efficiently and durably as possible. When HVAC technicians
go through your equipment, they should cover these steps:

All HVAC Systems

Clean, test and tighten the electrical components. When electrical connections
become loose or dirty, they don’t conduct as well and become hotter.

Lubricate the motors and check the belts, adjusting if necessary. Some
kinds of motors require oil to run efficiently. Low oil can burn out a motor.

Remove dust from blower components and adjust. The blower distributes the
air throughout your home and a clean one operates more efficiently. It
also improves indoor air quality and less dust settles inside your ductwork.

Replace air filters. This is a task that the HVAC technician should show
you how to do. Nothing reduces efficiencyand air quality faster than a
dirty filter.

Recalibrate the thermostat if necessary.

Test the temperature drop.

Clean the indoor and outdoor cabinets that house the HVAC components.

Combustion Furnaces and Boilers

The HVAC system check for combustion equipment includes:

Checking the safety switches on the equipment.

Inspecting and cleaning the burner, along with viewing the flame quality.
The gas needs to burn blue, and if there’s any yellow, the technician
will adjust the air to gas mixture.

Cleaning the heat exchanger. A dirty heat exchanger retards the heating
of your home because dust acts as insulation.

Testing the gas pressure and tightening any loose connections.

Making sure the flue is clear.

Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners

Cleaning the coils inside the air handler if accessible. Dirty coils retard
the cooling process.

Removing dust and dirt from the outdoor condenser’s coil.

Measuring refrigerant levels. When the refrigerant level is either too
high or low, energy consumption rises and your system may stop running.

Inspecting the drainpipe and clearing it, if necessary.

To learn more about an HVAC system check, contact the pros at Roth Heating
& Cooling. We’ve provided trusted HVAC services for the Portland
area since 1976.